planning application for new facility

Proposals to transform a former barn into a state-of-the-art gymnasium have been submitted by Woking Gymnastics Club for planning approval by Woking Borough Council.

Planning permission is being sought to change the former agricultural barn, located on land behind the garden centre on Egley Road, into an artistic gymnastics facility that will support the continued growth of the Club.

Lionel Smith-Gordon, Chair of Woking Gymnastics Club, said: “Since 2012, our Club membership has grown year-on-year. Whilst great for the sport locally, this has presented its own challenges as we have now reached our Kingfield site’s operating capacity, leaving us no alternative but seek an additional site within the Borough.

“After many false starts, agreement has been reached with Woking Borough Council to relocate to the Ten Acre Farm site in Mayford, however, this is unlikely to be until 2021.

“In the meantime, we are eager that the club continues to grow and see the conversion of the former agricultural barn into an additional gymnastics training facility as a suitable short-term alternative, while maintaining our Kingfield home.

“If planning consent is granted, the proposals would enable us to make significant investment in new Olympic-standard equipment that would enable more people of all ages and abilities to participate in gymnastics.”

It is anticipated that the planning application will be determined shortly and the minor internal works to convert the agricultural barn would begin immediately thereafter.  The Club intends to transfer some training classes to the new site while introducing further classes at Kingfield.